Chennai to Kolkata Transport — Part Load & Full Truck
About 1,659 km by road. Estimate part-load and full-truck charges, transit time and e-way-bill validity, then compare verified transporters.
Rates and times are estimates.
About the Chennai–Kolkata freight lane
Chennai–Kolkata runs the length of the east coast on NH16, connecting the ports and industrial centres of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar are major stops in between, so the lane serves much more than its two end cities. Its exposure to the Bay of Bengal makes it more weather-sensitive than inland lanes.
Usual route: NH16 along the east coast via Nellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Kharagpur.
Things to plan for
- Cyclones on the east coast can disrupt this lane; watch the forecast in October–December.
- Mid-route drops at Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam or Bhubaneswar are common.
- For bulk volumes, coastal shipping between the ports is worth comparing.
Typical cargo Chennai → Kolkata
- • Automobiles and auto parts
- • Electronics
- • Leather goods
- • Textiles
Typical cargo Kolkata → Chennai
- • Steel and engineering goods
- • Jute products
- • FMCG
Chennai to Kolkata freight charges — estimates
Worked from typical market per-kg and per-km ranges for ~1,659 km. Not a quote.
Part load (shared truck)
| Consignment | Estimated charge |
|---|---|
| Per kg | ₹9 – ₹15 / kg |
| 100 kg | ₹900 – ₹1,500 |
| 500 kg | ₹4,500 – ₹7,500 |
| 1,000 kg | ₹9,000 – ₹15,000 |
Full truck load (dedicated truck)
| Truck | Estimated trip charge |
|---|---|
| 14–17 ft (up to ~3–4 T) | ₹66,500 – ₹1,16,000 |
| 19–20 ft (up to ~7–9 T) | ₹91,000 – ₹1,49,500 |
| 32 ft SXL / MXL (~7–18 T) | ₹1,16,000 – ₹1,99,000 |
Market estimates only. Final cost depends on exact pickup and drop points, goods type, weight vs volume, tolls, loading labour, waiting time, season and return-load availability. Always compare written quotes.
Paperwork for Chennai to Kolkata freight
- Tax invoice or delivery challan for the goods, issued by the consignor.
- E-way bill for consignments above ₹50,000, valid about 9 days for this distance (normal cargo).
- Lorry receipt (LR) / consignment note from the transporter, your proof of handover.
- Transit insurance for the declared value, recommended on longer lanes.
Chennai to Kolkata freight: FAQs
What is the road distance from Chennai to Kolkata?
Roughly 1,659 km by road, usually via NH16 along the east coast via Nellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Kharagpur. The exact distance depends on your pickup and drop addresses and the route the driver takes.
How much does part load cost from Chennai to Kolkata?
As a market estimate, around ₹9–₹15 per kg, billed on the greater of actual and volumetric weight, with a minimum charge per booking. For example, 500 kg would be roughly ₹4,500–₹7,500. Your quote depends on the goods, packing and pickup and drop access.
What is the full truck charge from Chennai to Kolkata?
As an estimate, a 32 ft truck works out to roughly ₹1,16,000–₹1,99,000 for the trip, and smaller trucks less. Tolls, loading labour, waiting time and return-load availability change the final price, so compare written quotes.
How long does a truck take from Chennai to Kolkata?
A dedicated truck usually takes about 4–5 days. Part load generally takes longer because the truck consolidates cargo and may transfer at a hub. Weather, festivals and checkpoints can add time.
How long is the e-way bill valid from Chennai to Kolkata?
For normal cargo, an e-way bill is valid for one day per 200 km or part of it, so about 9 days for roughly 1,659 km. Validity can be extended in specific situations. Over-dimensional cargo has a shorter per-day distance. Check the current GST rules when generating it.